The next generation of integrated amplifier from Boulder will begin shipping in an all analogue version, followed shortly by the streaming analogue + digital version.

The Boulder 866 is a part of the 800 Series and the successor to the 865 Integrated Amplifier. The 866 will be released in two versions: an all-analogue version ($12,250) and an analog+digital($14,450)  version.

Features of the all-analogue version

• 200W of maximum output power into an 8-ohm load
• Three pairs of full-balanced inputs
• Customizable display and input indicators with user uploadable photos for each input
• A new protection scheme that allows for greater current output and peak power delivery
• Factory direct software updates by Ethernet or USB memory device
• All input selections, setup, and control via a 7.0” (18 cm) full-color touch screen or a dedicated Boulder app for Apple and Android mobile devices

Features of the analogue+digital version

• Three pairs of balanced analog inputs as well as Toslink, S/PDIF, Ethernet, USB, and AirPlay digital input capability
• 200W of maximum output power into an 8-ohm load
• Customizable display and input indicators with user uploadable photos for each input
• New protection scheme allows for greater current output during peak power delivery
• Factory direct software updates by Ethernet or USB memory device
• All input selections, setup, and control via a 7.0” (18 cm) full-color touch screen or a dedicated Boulder app for Apple and Android mobile devices
• Roon endpoint integration
• Apple AirPlay wireless streaming capability from Apple mobile devices (iPhone, iPad)
• Subscription music services access through Roon or their own native app via AirPlay
• Built-in server software for connection to media storage devices over USB or Ethernet
• UPnP/DLNA wired and wireless streaming over Ethernet

The 866 Integrated is the successor to the 865 Integrated Amplifier and Boulder’s first integrated amplifier to feature the option of digital inputs. A premium was placed on value in the 866 and greater effort was put into the efficiency and cost reduction of design and manufacturing than any previous product from Boulder. Cost savings include circuit board production (up to a 25% reduction for some boards), casework and power supply cost reductions, reduced loading and turns for metalwork machining, material efficiency, and the reduction of production and testing time. More than twelve years after the release of the original 865, this has enabled Boulder to price the all-analog 866 at $12,250 with 200W of power output, whereas the 865 was priced at $14,000 and had power output of only 150W. The analog+digital 866 also includes full digital capabilities and greater power output but costs only $450 more than the 865.

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